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Advanced Imagery

We have learned about imagery, which is descriptive language that uses any of the five sense. Today we will discuss some more advanced uses of the skill. Review this Writer’s Digest article.

Advanced Imagery Techniques

Don’t stop the story to give descriptions. Instead, weave your descriptions into the action. Example:As he shook John Cena’s hand, he could feel the years of training, body slams and grappling in the callouses of Cena’s palms.Instead of:He shook John Cena’s hand. Cena’s hands were calloused and tough from the years of training , body slams and grappling. In the first example, there is action and description at the same time, in the second, first there is action then the description follows, slowing down the pace of the story. The first example is better because it weaves the action and description together, keeping the story moving.

Try using “Double Nouns” to convey your imagery. These are basically “Imagery Metaphors.” That describe a sensation and make a comparison simultaneously. Examples: Concrete bed, iceberg floor, a cat’s “sandpaper tongue”, spiderweb hair, flagpole physique, leather skin, pumpkin head. Notice that these examples are two nouns (person, place, thing or idea) next to each other. They are very effective in creating an image, while not slowing down the story to give a description.

Assignment: In your notebook, write at least 3 sentences about the either of the following scenarios. Use the advanced imagery techniques above.

Maya won the race.

or

I was nervous for the roller coaster.

Don’t say “Walt stood over me, while I was in my seat. He was tall and skinny like a flagpole.” Instead say“As I sat in my seat, Walt’s flagpole physique stood over me.” The second sentence incorporates actions in the descriptions and uses a “Double Noun” comparison which describes how Walt looks, without interrupting the story.

Quick Write: Adding Specific Examples

On Friday, we wrote down a list of items we are thankful for. Now we will take these things and write specific aspects of those things that we are thankful for. For example, instead of saying “My mom,” say “Sunday morning pancakes my mom makes for the family.”